Reconfigurable Processor Shared Coarse-Grained Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable processors with a coarse-grained array architecture require multiple processors for different modes, leading to complex hardware and high power consumption, which is undesirable for user terminals needing low power and low capacity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode apparatus with a shared coarse-grained array unit and exclusive coarse-grained array units, where a controller determines which unit performs the main processing operation based on availability, allowing efficient operation mode switching and reduced hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reconfigurable processors are provided for different operation modes, then multiple modes can operate simultaneously, but hardware complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coarse-grained array units into a shared resource that can be dynamically allocated to different operation mode execution units. Instead of providing separate CGA units for each operation mode, the system combines them into a common pool that serves multiple modes, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining multi-mode capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared coarse-grained array unit is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different operation mode execution units. This universal resource can be configured and allocated to handle various operation modes (such as standardized communication mode, multimedia mode, etc.) without requiring dedicated hardware for each mode, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reconfigurable processors are provided for different operation modes, then multiple modes can operate simultaneously, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple CGA units into a shared resource, the system reduces the total number of active hardware components. The shared CGA unit is activated only when needed by any operation mode, rather than having multiple continuously powered CGA units, thereby significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining multi-mode operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic allocation and sharing of the coarse-grained array unit among different operation mode execution units. The shared CGA can be dynamically assigned to different modes based on current operational requirements, allowing the hardware to adapt its power consumption profile to actual usage patterns rather than maintaining static high-power configuration.
3Device complexity
If a shared coarse-grained array unit is used, then hardware complexity is reduced, but processing delays may increase due to resource contention
Solution Approach 1:
The shared coarse-grained array unit maintains continuous useful action by being kept in a ready state and能够快速响应 different operation mode execution units. The controller ensures that the shared CGA transitions smoothly between serving different modes without significant idle time, maintaining high utilization and minimizing processing delays despite the shared architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the status and availability of the shared coarse-grained array unit, using feedback information to make real-time allocation decisions. When the shared CGA becomes available, the controller immediately assigns it to the next pending operation mode execution unit, thereby reducing waiting time and processing delays caused by resource contention.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable processor (RP) structure is provided, and particularly, a multi-mode providing apparatus including an exclusive coarse-grained array unit for each mode and a multi-mode providing method thereof are provided. The multi-mode providing apparatus includes: at least one reconfigurable operation mode execution unit performing a plurality of operations for processing a predetermined operation mode; a common coarse-grained array unit shared temporally by the at least one reconfigurable operation mode execution unit, and performing a main processing operation set to be performed by the common coarse-grained array unit, among the plurality of operations; and a controller determining whether the common coarse-grained array unit is available, and according to the result of the determination controlling the at least one reconfigurable operation mode execution unit so that the common coarse-grained array unit or an exclusive coarse-grained array unit performs the main processing operation, the exclusive coarse-grained array unit included in the at least one reconfigurable operation mode execution unit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a delay time for data processing while reducing the size of hardware.